JD(U) to Host Future Programs in Nitish Kumars Name, Says Sanjay Jha
JD(U) plans to organize future events in honor of Nitish Kumar, highlighting his contributions to Bihars development over two decades. JD(U) to Host Future Programs in Nitish Kumars Name, Says Sanjay Jha
PHC medical officer held while taking bribe in Bihars Vaishali district
Digital Desk | Patna, Oct 9 (IANS) A team from the Vigilance Investigation Bureau (VIB), Bihar, on Friday arrested Dr Kamini Prasad, Medical Officer-in-Charge of Patedhi Belsar Primary Health Centre (PHC) in Vaishali district, while she was allegedly accepting a bribe in exchange for releasing pending incentive payments. The officer is accused of demanding a 10% commission to clear the outstanding payments. The vigilance team also took the PHCs Head Assistant, Dhirendra Kumar and Data Operator, Himanshu Kumar, into custody for questioning. The operation triggered a stir within the Health Department. Investigators are examining the allegations and the possible roles of other staff members. According to an official, the action followed a complaint by Jaipal Singh, a Community Health Officer (CHO) posted at the Ayushman Arogya Mandir in Mishrauliya-Afzalpur under the Patedhi Belsar block. Singh alleged that his incentive payments had remained pending for more than three months and that Dr Prasad was demanding a 10% commission to release the amount. He subsequently approached the Vigilance Investigation Bureau. After receiving the complaint, the bureau reportedly verified the allegations and planned an operation. Vigilance personnel in plain clothes were deployed around the PHC on Friday morning. According to the available account, Singh handed over the money provided by the vigilance team to Dr Prasad in her office. The team then intervened and arrested her on the spot. The investigators subsequently took Head Assistant Dhirendra Kumar and Data Operator Himanshu Kumar into custody for questioning to establish whether they had any role in the alleged bribery case. The operation caused commotion on the PHC premises as the vigilance team carried out the arrests. The exact amount allegedly recovered during the operation has not yet been confirmed. The Vigilance Investigation Bureau is continuing its investigation and questioning those taken into custody. Further details, including the findings of the investigation and the alleged roles of the other employees, are expected to emerge as the case progresses. The allegations against the individuals remain subject to the ongoing investigation and legal proceedings.
Bihar: SVU raids Gopalganj ADMs properties; assets worth over Rs 3.12 crore detected
Digital Desk | Patna, Oct 9 (IANS) The Special Vigilance Unit (SVU) on Friday conducted searches at four locations across Patna, Rohtas and Gopalganj linked to Rajeshwari Pandey, Additional District Magistrate (ADM), Gopalganj, in connection with an alleged disproportionate assets case. During the searches, investigators recovered documents relating to the purchase of around a dozen plots of land and flats in Patna, Varanasi, Sasaram and other parts of Rohtas district. The properties, registered in the names of Pandey, his wife and his son, are valued at approximately Rs 1.32 crore. One of the properties searched was a flat at Bhavani City Apartment near RPS School under the jurisdiction of Rupaspur police station in Patna. According to the SVU, investigators identified 35 bank accounts maintained with the State Bank of India (SBI), Punjab National Bank (PNB), HDFC Bank and Central Bank of India. The accounts reportedly contain deposits totalling Rs 1,49,17,400 (Rs 1.49 crore). A paragraph mentioning private companies has been removed as per instructions. Documents relating to fixed deposits worth Rs 8.5 lakh were also recovered. A search of the ADM's residence yielded Rs 1.85 lakh in cash and gold and silver jewellery valued at approximately Rs 32 lakh, officials said. The SVU's preliminary findings indicate that Pandey's movable and immovable assets exceed Rs 3.12 crore. Of this amount, assets worth approximately Rs 2.5 crore have been assessed as disproportionate to his known sources of income, allegedly exceeding his legitimate earnings by 135 per cent. Searches continued until late Friday evening at Pandey's ancestral village of Thorsan in the Kargahar block of Rohtas district. Investigators expect the valuation of the assets under scrutiny to increase as the search and verification process continues. Pandey joined government service in 2010. An FIR has been registered against him in connection with the alleged disproportionate assets. Confirming the operation, SVU Additional Director General of Police Sudhanshu Kumar said that, following the registration of an FIR regarding disproportionate assets, raids were conducted at four locations linked to the Gopalganj ADM. He said assets exceeding known sources of income by around Rs 2.5 crore had been detected and that searches were continuing at the officer's ancestral village. The SVU is continuing to examine the documents and financial records recovered during the searches. The allegations and valuation of the assets remain subject to further investigation.
Bihar: NDA meeting ends without breakthrough; Anant Singh backs Jan Suraaj candidate
Digital Desk | Patna, Oct 9 (IANS) A high-level NDA meeting chaired by Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary at his official residence in Patna concluded without any resolution to the dispute involving Mokama MLA Anant Singh and JD(U) leader Neeraj Kumar over the upcoming Legislative Council elections. NDA MLAs and MPs attended the meeting, which was expected to address differences within the alliance ahead of the polls. However, after the meeting, Anant Singh reiterated his support for Jan Suraaj candidate Anuj Singh. Speaking to reporters outside the Chief Minister's residence, Anant Singh said the discussions focused on work and the responsibilities of leaders, adding that the election was not discussed. He maintained that his position remained unchanged and that he would support Anuj Singh. JD(U) Minister Jama Khan, who attended the meeting, played down reports of differences within the alliance. He said party members were like family and stressed the importance of contesting the elections together. There is no resentment within the party. We are like a family, and occasional differences are normal, Khan said, adding that the NDA remained united and was confident of winning all eight seats. Avoiding a direct comment on the Anant Singh-Neeraj Kumar dispute, Khan asserted that the alliance's candidates would win and that party workers were standing behind them. He also described Anant Singh as a brother and said there was no need to persuade him. Meanwhile, when Anant Singh's name came up, Naval Kishore Yadav reacted sharply, dismissing his remarks. Anant Singh, the JD(U) MLA from Mokama, has publicly declared his support for Jan Suraaj candidate Anuj Singh and vowed to work for his victory. His position has drawn attention amid the NDA's efforts to maintain coordination among its constituent parties during the Legislative Council election campaign. The reported differences involving Anant Singh and Neeraj Kumar have emerged as a point of discussion as the alliance prepares for the polls. Elections are being held for eight Bihar Legislative Council seats, four under the teachers' constituency quota and four under the graduates' constituency quota. Polling is scheduled for October 23, while counting of votes will take place on October 27. The NDA has maintained that it is united and expects to win all eight seats.
Mumbai Crime Branch busts racket illegally selling CDRs, SDRs, location data
Digital Desk | Mumbai, Oct 9 (IANS) Mumbai Police's Crime Branch Unit-12 has busted a racket involved in the illegal sale of call detail records (CDRs), subscriber detail records (SDRs), mobile location data, and IMEI information, arresting nine accused, including five from Maharashtra, Jharkhand, and Bihar. According to the police, two of the arrested accused are serving constables in the Jharkhand and Bihar police forces. The police received intelligence that a man residing within the jurisdiction of Oshiwara police station was posing as a Police Inspector on Instagram under the name Inspector Sanjay, despite holding no official position. Through his social media posts, the accused claimed that stolen or lost mobile phones would be recovered and returned to their owners. People who had lost their mobile phones contacted the accused using the number provided in the posts. Posing as a police officer, he extorted money from them in the name of recovering their phones and illegally obtained their CDRs, SDRs, and location details. Acting on the information, the Crime Branch Unit-12 team arrested the accused on June 22, near the entrance gate of Ayesha Tower, opposite an HP petrol pump on SV Road in Jogeshwari West. An examination of two mobile phones recovered from him revealed that he was obtaining CDRs, SDRs, and location information linked to mobile numbers through illegal means. A case was registered under Sections 318(2), 319(2), 204, 223, 351(2), 112(2), 238 and 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), along with Sections 43(a), 66 and 66A of the Information Technology Act, at Oshiwara police station. The case details were cited as CrPC No. 68/2026 and Oshiwara police station case No. 935/2026. During the investigation, the police found that the accused had allegedly obtained 50 CDRs, 520 SDRs, location information linked to 550 mobile numbers, and details of 420 IMEI numbers illegally.
Jiya, a 23-year-old from Bihar, finds herself at a crossroads in life, feeling a bit lost. While she prepares for the GATE exam with hopes of securing a government position, she also cherishes her passions like painting and travelling. The online community is rallying around her, offering heartfelt advice on navigating both her career and personal dreams, promoting the idea of progression at one's own pace and enjoying the journey.
Digital Desk | Patna, Oct 9 (IANS) The Bihar Congress has announced a phased agitation through November to highlight concerns over voter rights and complaints about names of genuine voters being deleted from electoral rolls. The party will also demand the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar as part of its campaign. Under the programme, Congress workers will organise marches at block headquarters from October 10 to 20, followed by village-level Vote Bachao, Desh Bachao (Save Vote, Save Country)' chaupals from October 25 to November 25. The final phase will involve a proposed Delhi Chalo march on Constitution Day, with thousands of party workers expected to participate in the stir over voter rights. The agitation strategy was discussed at a review meeting held on Friday at Sadaqat Ashram in Patna. Bihar Congress in-charge Krishna Allavaru and State President Rajesh Ram attended the meeting along with district presidents and state office-bearers. Participants reviewed the organisations current status, ongoing public outreach initiatives and preparations for upcoming programmes. The leadership stressed the need to expand the campaign to block, panchayat and village levels and increase participation among party workers. Krishna Allavaru called for strengthening the organisation at the booth, panchayat and block levels. He urged district presidents and office-bearers to implement party programmes effectively and maintain regular communication with the public. He also emphasised better coordination across different levels of the organisation. The first phase of the agitation will run from October 10 to 20, with marches planned at block headquarters. The demonstrations will focus on voter rights and complaints from people who claim their names have been removed from the electoral rolls. State President Rajesh Ram said the campaign would bring the grievances of affected voters to the forefront and raise public awareness about the issue. The party intends to use the protests to draw attention to difficulties faced by people who say they have been excluded from voter lists. In the second phase, Congress workers will organise Vote Bachao, Desh Bachao chaupals in villages between October 25 and November 25. The meetings will provide a platform for people to raise concerns about alleged deletions from electoral rolls. Party workers will engage with affected individuals, listen to their complaints and spread awareness about voting rights. The Congress plans to expand the campaign at the grassroots level to encourage wider public participation and strengthen its voter outreach. For the final phase, the Bihar Congress is preparing a Delhi Chalo march on Constitution Day, with thousands of party workers expected to travel to the national Capital. Through the proposed march, the party intends to raise voter rights concerns and issues related to democratic values at the national level. The campaign will also focus on strengthening the party organisation and increasing participation among its workers. The detailed schedule and arrangements for the Delhi march are expected to be finalised as the agitation progresses.
From Land and River to Treetops: How Bihar's Bootleggers are Reaching New Heights
Bihars bootleggers are taking high spirits to a whole new level!In Mokamas Sultanpur diara, police busted illegal liquor dens hidden high up in trees. After evading cops on land and water, these bootleggers took their operations sky-high, setting up treehouses complete with furnaces to brew illicit liquor.Prohibition, it seems, is driving some seriously out-of-the-box ingenuity!
Tej Pratap Yadav accuses wife Aishwarya Rai of chatting with former boyfriend
Digital Desk | Mumbai, Oct 9 (IANS) Politician and content creator Tej Pratap Yadav, who can be seen in the streaming reality show Rise and Fall, has shared the reason behind his ongoing divorce and separation battle against Aishwarya Rai. A clip from the show has now gone viral, and it shows the politician sharing the background of his prolonged legal battle. He said, We had a fight. It was a new marriage. We had a fight for three months. We were different. We got married under pressure. I was a minister at that time, Health Minister of Bihar. I didn't feel like going home. I see. Sometimes I stayed at my friend's house. Sometimes I went somewhere else. I went somewhere else. She wouldn't let me leave the house early. He shared that his wife used to scream and shout at him, as he said, I used to pray at 6 or 7 in the morning. She didn't like it. She told me not to pray. She used to party till 4 or 5 in the morning. I got married in an arranged marriage. I had gone to the Vidhan Sabha. I came back home in the evening. I was entering the bedroom. She was chatting with a boy. She had an ex-boyfriend. She was chatting with him. She was sending him a heart message. She was sending him everything. I saw it all from a distance. One positive thing about me was that whenever he fought, I used to make a video of it. It became our evidence. I put it up in the court. Boys are not always wrong. Girls are also wrong.. He shared that even today when theres a fight, and people raise their voice, he gets traumatized. That's why whenever there is a fight, I get traumatized, he added. Tej Pratap Yadav is the elder son of RJD chief Lalu Prasad Yadav and former Bihar Chief Minister Rabri Devi. He has remained in the spotlight for his turbulent personal life and strained family relationships. He married Aishwarya Rai in May 2018. The marriage soon encountered serious difficulties, and Tej Pratap filed for divorce within months. The couples separation became a widely reported family controversy. In May 2025, Lalu Prasad Yadav expelled Tej Pratap from the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) for 6 years and announced that he was severing ties with him as a family member. The decision followed a now-deleted social media post claiming a 12-year relationship with another woman. Tej Pratap subsequently alleged that his account had been hacked and the images manipulated.
Assam Rifles, Customs seize 501 kg of ganja worth Rs 2.50 crore in Tripura
Digital Desk | Agartala, Oct 9 (IANS) The Assam Rifles in coordination with Customs have seized 501 kg of ganja (marijuana) worth around Rs 2.50 crore in Tripuras Khowai district, officials said on Friday. A Defence spokesperson said that in a crackdown against narcotics trafficking, Assam Rifles, in association with Customs, conducted an operation on Thursday evening in Tripuras Khowai District leading to the seizure of 501 kg of ganja valued at approximately Rs 2.50 crore. The operation was conducted based on Intelligence inputs and continuous surveillance. The joint team initiated a pursuit of the suspected vehicle from West Sonatala. The chase concluded at Baikhuntapur village, 18 km short of Hezamara block, on the West Tripura and Khowai District boundary. However, during the operation the driver of the vehicle managed to flee from the spot. No arrest was reported in connection with the seizure. The recovery of the illicit drugs highlights the continued efforts by Assam Rifles and partner agencies to disrupt narcotics trafficking networks operating through the Northeast, an official statement said. The recovered contraband has been handed over to Customs authorities for further investigation and legal proceedings. Meanwhile, the Assam Rifles along with Customs officials have seized 340 kg of ganja worth around Rs 1.74 crore in Khowai district on October 6. Police officials said that the state police, Assam Rifles, Tripura State Rifles (TSR) and other security forces, in joint operations, often destroy illicit ganja cultivation in different parts of the state, especially in Sepahijala district, which shares a border with Bangladesh. According to a police official, dry ganja produced in Tripura is not consumed locally and is smuggled to various states, including Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, where it fetches higher prices. During transportation, consignments of dry ganja are often seized from trucks, small vehicles and even passenger trains. Residents, including women, have claimed that they cultivate ganja in hilly and inaccessible areas as part of their livelihood. The police official said that on many occasions, it has been found that forest land and other government land had been encroached upon and illegally used for cannabis cultivation. He added that the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985, makes it illegal for any person to cultivate, possess, sell, buy or consume narcotic and psychotropic substances, and violations can attract heavy fines and imprisonment of up to 20 years.
Shikshagrahas Mothers of Courage Named Finalist at UN SDG Action Awards 2026
From Bihars villages to Rome, Mothers of Courage among the finalists at the UN SDG Action Awards 2026. Bengaluru (Karnataka) [India], October 7: Mothers of Courage, which documents women leading
JD(U) to organise future events in Nitish Kumars name, says Sanjay Jha
Digital Desk | Patna, Oct 9 (IANS) Janata Dal (United) National Working President and Rajya Sabha MP, Sanjay Kumar Jha, has announced that all future party programmes will be organised in the name of Nitish Kumar, highlighting the Bihar leaders two decades of contribution to the states development. Jha made the announcement during the Nitish Samvad programme held at the JD(U) office. He said the party belonged to Nitish Kumar and that his contribution to Bihar over the past 20 years would remain central to its future programmes. According to Sanjay Jha, the decision reflects the partys recognition of Nitish Kumars long tenure and his role in Bihars development. The announcement is expected to shape the focus of the JD(U)s upcoming organisational activities, with greater emphasis on Kumars political legacy and development initiatives. The JD(U) is currently organising several public outreach programmes, including 'Nitish Samvad', to address public grievances and strengthen its direct engagement with people at the grassroots level. These initiatives aim to establish direct communication with citizens, understand their concerns and improve the party's connection with the public. Sanjay Jha also addressed reports of differences between JD(U) leaders Neeraj Kumar and Anant Singh in connection with the Bihar Legislative Council elections. Expressing confidence in the National Democratic Alliances (NDA) prospects, he said all eight candidates fielded by the alliance would emerge victorious. He emphasised that all NDA constituents would work together to secure the victory of their candidates, underscoring the importance of coordination among alliance partners during the election. A meeting has also been convened at the Chief Ministers residence to discuss electoral strategy and ensure coordinated efforts by NDA leaders in support of their candidates, Jha said. The reported differences between Neeraj Kumar and Anant Singh have drawn attention amid preparations for the Legislative Council elections. Against this backdrop, Jhas emphasis on alliance unity and his confidence in the victory of all eight NDA candidates underline the JD(U)s stated position on maintaining coordination within the ruling alliance.
Protest Erupts in Patna Over Bihar Police Driver Recruitment Vacancies
Candidates protest in Patna demanding filling of over 1,200 vacant police driver positions reserved for women. Protest Erupts in Patna Over Bihar Police Driver Recruitment Vacancies
Bihar CM directs departments to expedite
Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary on Friday directed officials of various departments to expedite the implementation of the
Police Bust Inter-State CDR Racket, Two Constables Held
Mumbai Police have arrested five individuals, including two constables from Jharkhand and Bihar, for their involvement in an inter-state syndicate illegally procuring and supplying Call Detail Records (CDRs), Subscriber Detail Records (SDRs), and live location data. The racket was uncovered after the arrest of a suspect who impersonated a police officer to track lost phones using illegally sourced data.
Digital Desk | Patna, Oct 9 (IANS) Candidates of the Bihar Police driver recruitment drive intensified their protest in Patna on Friday, demanding that more than 1,200 posts earmarked for women, which they claim have remained vacant, be filled with eligible male candidates from the respective categories. The candidates had planned to march towards the Chief Ministers residence to press their demands. However, police personnel intervened before the proposed march could begin. Barricades were erected at Gate No. 10, and a large number of security personnel were deployed inside Gandhi Maidan and the surrounding areas. The protesters alleged they had obtained permission to hold a peaceful sit-in, organise a Kalash Yatra and take out a march, but the administration prevented them from proceeding with their planned programme. According to the candidates, the protest was scheduled to begin at 11 a.m. with a sit-in at Gandhi Maidan, followed by a Kalash Yatra and a march from Gate No. 10 to Dakbungalow Crossing. The candidates said more than 1,200 posts reserved for women in the driver recruitment process had remained vacant. They urged the authorities to consider filling these vacancies with eligible male candidates from the respective categories in accordance with the applicable recruitment rules. They say that this would prevent the posts from remaining unfilled and provide employment opportunities to other qualified applicants. Radhe Shyam Kumar, one of the protesting candidates, said they had been staging a sit-in at Gardanibagh for several days. He described the difficulties of continuing the agitation, adding that his family had questioned why he was spending time protesting instead of studying. He maintained that candidates needed to raise their voices to secure their rights. He reiterated the demand that posts remaining vacant after the allocation of seats to female candidates should be considered eligible for male applicants. He also cited the recruitment process for Sub-Inspectors, arguing that a similar provision should be considered for the driver recruitment drive. Despite the police barricades and the deployment of security personnel, candidates continued to gather near Gate No. 10 of Gandhi Maidan. The protesters maintained that they intended to put forward their demands peacefully.
Judges have right sentiment: NDA leaders on open letter of 42 former judges on INDIA Bloc protests
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Oct 9 (IANS) After 42 former judges of both the Supreme Court and High Courts wrote an open letter expressing concern over the alleged campaign to undermine the Election Commission, judiciary and other constitutional institutions, several NDA leaders welcomed the move and said that the judges have the right sentiment. Claiming that the Opposition is trying to create a situation of 'anarchy', the leaders said that they should reflect on their actions. Bihar Minister Ram Kripal Yadav told IANS, The respected former judges have expressed a good sentiment in their letter. The questions being raised against the Election Commission are part of a conspiracy to weaken the constitutional system. These are experts, lawyers, and knowledgeable people from various fields. Judges are knowledgeable people, and their sentiment is absolutely right. The Opposition wants to create a situation of anarchy, he alleged. BJP National Spokesperson Guru Prakash claimed, They are without evidence, without a cause, without basis. The Supreme Court has repeatedly given its stance on SIR and its constitutional credibility. The SC has also given its stance on Form 6. When 42 former judges, who have served as members of constitutional institutions, express their concerns, the Opposition should reflect, think and introspect, he said. JD(U) National Spokesperson Rajiv Ranjan said, A large number of retired judges have reacted in this manner. The Opposition leaders must understand that the public and the countrys intellectuals are watching their attempts to weaken Indian democracy by targeting constitutional institutions. BJP leader Mrityunjay Tiwari said, 42 respected individuals who have served as judges have expressed their concern, and this is natural. The 150 crore people of the country are also concerned about why the INDIA Bloc leaders are raising questions about constitutional institutions and weakening democracy and the Constitution. In a strongly worded open letter, 42 former judges, including those from the Supreme Court and High Courts, on Thursday questioned allegations of vote theft without supporting evidence, warning that repeatedly branding constitutional authorities as thieves and compromised risks eroding public trust in democracy. Defending the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, the signatories emphasised that it is a legally established exercise aimed at ensuring clean and accurate voter lists. The signatories include three former High Court Chief Justices. These are former Chief Justice of J&K and Delhi High Court B.C. Patel; Former Chief Justice of the Karnataka High Court, Subhro Kamal Mukherjee; and Former Chief Justice of the Sikkim High Court, Permod Kohli.
BSSA Head Coach Recruitment 2026
Bihar State Sports Authority (BSSA) has published the Recruitment 2026 notification for 2 Head Coach posts. Online applications will be accepted till 25 October 2026. Eligible candidates can apply through the official website, coach.bihorsports.org.
Digital Desk | Patna, Oct 9 (IANS) Two girl students suffered burn injuries after an electric shock incident occurred at Shahbazpur Higher Secondary School in Bihars Muzaffarpur district on Friday. The incident occurred during the lunch break when the students went to the school rooftop, where an 11,000-volt high-tension power line passes nearby. One of the injured students is reported to be in critical condition. The injured students were admitted to Sri Krishna Medical College and Hospital (SKMCH) for treatment. According to Neha, one of the injured students, she had gone to the rooftop with other students to eat during the lunch break. While there, she touched a wall near the roof and received a severe electric shock before falling. Another student also began screaming. A student named Shruti reportedly showed courage and helped bring the injured girls down. The incident triggered panic on the school premises, with several students leaving the campus out of fear. The accident has raised serious concerns about student safety and the presence of a high-voltage power line near the school building. Locals have also accused the school management of failing to respond promptly. Vaibhav Kumar, an eyewitness, said one of the students suffered severe burns to her hands and legs. He alleged that the school gate was not opened in time to facilitate the injured students' transportation to the hospital. According to Vaibhav, a school vehicle was available on the premises, but was not provided to transport the injured students. Locals subsequently arranged an auto-rickshaw and rushed the girls to SKMCH. The incident has triggered resentment among villagers, while the school management has yet to issue a detailed response to the allegations. There are conflicting accounts regarding the number of injured students. A school teacher said two students were injured, while eyewitness accounts and statements from the injured students indicate that three girls suffered burns. The incident has prompted demands for an investigation into the circumstances of the accident, the safety arrangements in the school and the presence of the high-tension power line. Official statements clarifying the cause of the incident and assigning responsibility are awaited.
'He engages only in appeasement politics': BJP leaders target Akhilesh Yadav over Ayodhya visit
Digital Desk | Lucknow, Oct 9 (IANS) Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister, Brajesh Pathak, on Friday accused Samajwadi Party (SP) chief Akhilesh Yadav of engaging in appeasement politics after he visited Ayodhya but did not go to the Ram Temple, with other BJP leaders also criticising the former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister over the issue. Speaking to IANS, Pathak claimed, They engage only in appeasement politics. Even if they disguise themselves and enter the Sanatan culture wearing yellow clothes and applying a tilak, all they care about is appeasement and the Muslim vote bank. Samajwadi Party leaders never truly accept Sanatan culture. Ask them to answer for the massacre of the kar sevaks. Bihar Minister Ram Kripal Yadav also criticised Akhilesh Yadav for not visiting the Ram Temple during his Ayodhya trip, alleging that the SP chief was concerned about retaining minority votes ahead of the upcoming elections in the state. BJP MLA Rajani Tiwari also took a swipe at the SP chief, saying that he could not have darshan of the deity without divine blessings. Unless they receive Lord Ram's blessings, they will not be able to have His darshan. Lord Ram's blessings are not upon them, which is why they are not gaining wisdom or receiving the opportunity to have His darshan, Tiwari said. UP Minister Om Prakash Rajbhar also questioned Akhilesh Yadav's decision to stay away from the Ram Temple during his visit to Ayodhya. He referred to the SP chief's photograph while accepting prasad and contrasted it with his alleged comfort during visits to religious figures from other communities. Then why didnt he go for darshan? I have seen his photograph; he appeared worried while accepting prasad, unsure whether to eat it or not. But when he visits a maulanas place, he happily eats naan and roti. Here, he is sitting and worrying about whether he will get a chair or not, Rajbhar claimed. Akhilesh Yadav visited Ayodhya on Thursday to attend a Shrimad Bhagwat Katha at the residence of former minister Tej Narayan Pandey, also known as Pawan Pandey, which was 12 kms away from the Ram Temple. However, he did not visit the Ram Temple during his trip. During the visit, the SP chief emphasised equality and social justice, stating that discrimination should have no place in society. The feeling of belonging should be paramount, and compassion should be the first condition of governance, Akhilesh Yadav said.
Masked man removes gold chain from dead body at government hospital in Bihar
The RJD criticised Health Minister Nishant Kumar after a video showed a masked man stealing a gold chain from a deceased womans body at Siwans Model Sadar Hospital
Nishant Singh had limited screen time in Drishyam 2 and Drishyam The Conclusion, but he made a mark with his performance and well-etched character. He plays Shiv, while Neha Joshi essays the role of his wife, Jenny. The two pretend to be friendly neighbours of Vijay Salgaonkar (Ajay Devgn). Unknown to Vijay and his family, they are actually undercover cops tasked with finding that one clue which could prove that the Salgaonkars killed Meera Deshmukhs (Tabu) son, Sam. The two characters appear in Drishyam The Conclusion as well, and their recordings play an important role in the proceedings. Moreover, when advocate Indrajit Shetty (Prakash Raj) refers to them as Changu Mangu, audiences erupt with laughter, making their characters even more memorable. In an exclusive interview with Bollywood Hungama, Nishant Singh spoke about his role in the franchise, the secrecy surrounding the climax and a lot more. How has the response been to your role in Drishyam The Conclusion? It has been great. The response has been quite surprising. We didnt expect the film to be loved so much. We knew that since its a popular franchise, people would obviously flock to cinemas. However, the audience turning up in such huge numbers was unexpected (smiles). The whole team is happy and the audience is loving the film as well. Its a win-win situation. Our parts are limited, but they have strong recall value. While watching this film, audiences were able to recall what happened in Drishyam 2. In fact, I am getting more calls and messages for this film than I did for Drishyam 2 (smiles). Indrajit Shetty addresses you and Jenny as Changu Mangu. How did that come about? (Laughs) Its thanks to Aamil Keeyan Khan, who wrote the dialogues. He told me that Abhishek Pathak sir calls him and another writer of the film Changu Mangu! Thats how Aamil got the idea and incorporated it into the film. It fit perfectly. Moreover, the way Prakash Raj sir delivered the dialogue made it even more entertaining. In one of your interviews, you revealed that 90% of the unit didnt know the films ending Yes. Vijay Salgaonkar jo Meera Deshmukh aur Goa ki public ke saath kar rahe the, wohi Abhishek sir hamare saath kar rahe the (laughs)! Since the unit members didnt know the entire story, there were a lot of speculations and rumours ki shayad aisa hoga ya waisa hoga. Only the core team knew the climax. The rest of us were kept in the dark. During Drishyam 2, we were given the full script. But with the third part, the makers decided to maintain secrecy. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Nishant Singh (@thenishantsingh) Were you given the script minus the climax, or were you provided with just your scenes? I was given only my scenes. Interestingly, our scenes are in the pre-climax. When Rajveer Singh Tomar (Jaideep Ahlawat) and Indrajit Shetty are talking, Shiv and Jenny are also present in the room. Hence, we got an idea of what happens in the climax. But we played along and even joined in the rumours and speculations about what the ending could possibly be (laughs)! In Drishyam 2, you had a crucial scene where you get drunk and insult Vijay Salgaonkar. Your performance was quite impressive, especially the way you got the Marathi pronunciation right I come from Sitamarhi, Bihar. So, I am not a Maharashtrian, while my character is one who can speak Marathi fluently. Thankfully, I pursued a two-year master's course at the Academy of Theatre Arts, University of Mumbai. Almost everyone around me, including those with whom I shared a room in the hostel, was Marathi-speaking. Thanks to them, I learned to speak chaste Marathi, and that helped me immensely in this role. How was your experience of working with Ajay Devgn, Tabu and Shriya Saran? All of them are down-to-earth and calm. They dont talk much. Jitni zaroorat hai, utni hi baat karte hain. They work very patiently. During the drunk scene in Drishyam 2, I was quite hesitant about charging at Ajay sir. We did a rehearsal, after which I blurted out, Sir, meri fatt rahi hai! He held my hand and told me, Tu aa na mere upar. Koi dikkat nahin hai. That made me comfortable, and I was able to nail the scene. How was it working with Prakash Raj? Hes very funny. He loves cracking jokes and is quite cool as well. Its sad that there wont be a fourth part and that the series ends here You never know! It all depends on the audience. If the audience demands a fourth part, even the makers might decide to go for it. Also Read: Ajay Devgn returns with Drishyam The Conclusion, set to release on October 2, 2026, poster out
Yellow alert for rain, thunderstorms issued in 18 Bihar districts
Digital Desk | Patna, Oct 9 (IANS) Bihar is likely to experience unsettled weather on Friday, with rain, thunderstorms and strong winds forecast in several parts of the state. According to the Meteorological Centre, Patna, districts in North Bihar, particularly the Seemanchal region, may receive rainfall, and parts of north-western, north-central and south-western Bihar face a possibility of thunderstorms and lightning. The changing weather comes as the southwest monsoon withdrawal nears completion. Atmospheric moisture and local weather conditions are expected to contribute to fluctuations in rainfall and humidity across the state. The Meteorological Department has issued a yellow alert for 18 districts, warning of thunderstorms and strong winds that could reach speeds of 40-50 kmph. The districts listed in the alert are Gopalganj, Siwan, Bhojpur, Buxar, Arwal, Aurangabad, Saran (Chhapra), Vaishali, Samastipur, Darbhanga, Madhubani, Sitamarhi, Sheohar, Kaimur, East Champaran, West Champaran, Rohtas and Muzaffarpur. Rainfall is also possible in northern and eastern districts, including Purnea, Katihar, Araria, Supaul, Madhepura, Saharsa and Kishanganj. While several districts may experience rain and thunderstorms, Patna and its adjoining areas are expected to remain mostly dry on Friday. However, isolated light showers cannot be ruled out because of local cloud formation. Weather activity is expected to be more pronounced in parts of North Bihar and the state's border districts. According to the forecast outlined in the report, weather activity is likely to weaken from Saturday, with isolated rainfall remaining possible in parts of the Kosi, Seemanchal and eastern Bihar. By Sunday, conditions are expected to improve across most parts of the state, although light rain may persist in isolated areas, particularly in Kishanganj. No major changes in maximum or minimum temperatures are expected across most districts over the next five days. In view of the possibility of lightning and strong winds, residents have been advised to remain alert and follow official weather advisories. People should take shelter inside substantial buildings during thunderstorms and avoid open fields, isolated tall trees, electric poles and transformers. Residents are also advised to avoid unnecessary outdoor movement during severe weather and stay away from exposed locations until thunderstorms pass.
Delhi-NCR likely to witness light rain, strong winds; AQI remains moderate to poor
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Oct 9 (IANS) The plains of North India, including Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab and Haryana, may experience light rain, overcast skies, and strong winds over the next few days as weather conditions change amid the withdrawal of the southwest monsoon. Cyclonic activity associated with the retreating monsoon is expected to bring heavy rainfall over the next three days, particularly across Uttarakhand, Bihar and Jharkhand. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued rain alerts for 14 states, warning of heavy showers in several regions. The effects of the retreating monsoon are likely to be felt across West Bengal, Bihar and Jharkhand over the next three to four days. Meanwhile, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Karaikal are expected to receive heavy rainfall between October 9 and 11. Delhi, Punjab and Haryana are likely to witness cloudy skies and light rain till October 14. Western and eastern Uttar Pradesh may receive rainfall from October 9 to 11. Light rain is expected in eastern Rajasthan on October 12, while Delhi-NCR may experience light showers accompanied by strong winds on October 10 and 11. Western Rajasthan is also likely to witness strong winds on October 11. According to the IMD, Uttarakhand is likely to receive heavy rainfall till October 14, while Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh may experience heavy showers on Friday and Saturday and again on October 13 and 14. In Uttarakhand, districts including Pithoragarh, Chamoli and Rudraprayag have been placed under a heavy rain alert. The department has advised pilgrims undertaking the Char Dham Yatra, particularly those visiting Kedarnath and Badrinath, to remain vigilant. In Himachal Pradesh, Chamba, Kullu, Manali and Shimla are likely to receive rainfall on October 13 and 14. Jammu and Kashmir may also witness significant weather changes, with thunderstorms, lightning and strong winds forecast in areas including Doda, Pulwama, Anantnag, Poonch, Udhampur and Srinagar. Bihar and Jharkhand are likely to receive light to moderate rainfall in some areas till October 11. Patna, Ranchi and Dhanbad are among the places where thunderstorms and lightning are possible. The IMD has also warned of heavy rainfall in Bihar and the Gangetic plains of West Bengal. Rainfall is expected to continue in Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Mizoram and Tripura until October 14. Eastern Madhya Pradesh may receive rain till October 11, while Chhattisgarh is likely to witness showers on October 14. Rewa, Satna and Shahdol in eastern Madhya Pradesh may experience rainfall accompanied by winds reaching speeds of up to 50 kmph. Meanwhile, Delhi's air quality remained in the moderate to poor categories, with monitoring stations recording varying levels of pollution. Dwarka Sector 8 recorded an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 231, followed by R.K. Puram at 219, Punjabi Bagh at 211, Narela at 210, and Pusa and NSUT Jaffarpur at 203 each. Other stations, including Burari, Badarpur, Mandir Marg, Aya Nagar, CRRI Mathura Road, Chandni Chowk, JNU, Burari Crossing, Ashok Vihar, Dr Karni Singh Shooting Range, Jahangirpuri and Rohini, recorded AQI readings ranging from 115 to 198.
KVK Bpora -1 hosts training program on Makhana cultivation
Bandipora, Oct 8: Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) Bandipora-1, SKUAST-Kashmir, in collaboration with the Department of Rakhs and Farms, Kashmir, organised the first training programme under the Central Sector Scheme on Development of Makhana at KVK Bandipora-1, Potushai. The programme aimed to sensitise farmers about the scope of Makhana cultivation and provide technical guidance on crop establishment, management, harvesting, processing and value addition under Kashmir conditions. Ajab Singh Ajeeb, Director, Rakhs and Farms, Kashmir, was the chief guest. He highlighted the potential of Kashmirs wetland resources for Makhana cultivation and stressed their scientific utilisation for crop diversification and livelihood generation. Feroz Ahmad Shapoo, Assistant Director, Rakhs and Farms, Kashmir, outlined the departments initiatives for promoting Makhana in the Valley and emphasised farmer capacity building, technical guidance and coordination among stakeholders. Dr Tariq Sultan, Professor and Head, KVK Bandipora-1, gave a detailed presentation on Makhana cultivation, management, harvesting, processing and value addition. He said KVK Bandipora-1 had initiated trials for introduction and evaluation of Makhana in Jammu and Kashmir following an MoU between SKUAST-Kashmir and the National Research Centre for Makhana (NRC-Makhana), Darbhanga, Bihar. He highlighted the scope of Makhana for wetland-based livelihood diversification, particularly in combination with aquatic crops such as Lotus and Water Chestnut, and stressed the importance of scientific crop management and value addition. Scientists Dr Tahir Saleem, Dr Bilal Ahmad Zargar and Shabnum Mumtaz interacted with the participating farmers and provided technical guidance on aquatic crop cultivation. Farmers from Bandipora and Baramulla districts participated in the programme and raised queries related to planting material, crop establishment, management, harvesting, processing and marketing. As part of the practical session, the participants visited the KVK Farm and observed ongoing demonstration and trial plots of Makhana, Lotus and Water Chestnut. The scientists explained the cultivation practices and potential of these crops under local conditions. The programme concluded with discussions on strengthening farmer training, field demonstrations, technology transfer and institutional collaboration for Makhana development in Kashmir.
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ED attaches assets worth over Rs 1 crore linked to Sheikhpura rice mill
CBI Arrests 4 in Multi-State Exam Racket
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has arrested four people, including a CGST inspector, in connection with an alleged impersonation and cheating network operating across Delhi, Bihar, Haryana and West Bengal.
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CBI arrests 4 imposters who wrote bank job exams on behalf of candidates
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Oct 8 (IANS) The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Thursday busted an impersonation and cheating network operating across Delhi, Bihar, Haryana and West Bengal and arrested four key operatives, including one CGST Inspector, who undermined the integrity of public examinations for bank jobs. The CBI had registered a First Information Report (FIR) registered on a complaint filed by the Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS), a statement said. The CBI Special Task Branch Mumbai executed coordinated, multi-state raids and arrested four individuals who fraudulently infiltrated multiple stages of the selection process, including written examinations and interviews by physically posing as candidates, the statement added. The imposters appeared in exams, on behalf of original candidates, undermining the integrity of public examinations and depriving genuine, hardworking aspirants of their rightful opportunities, the CBI said. In a separate case, the CBI arrested the Principal of Kendriya Vidyalaya in Madhya Pradesh's ltarsi, and a middleman on October 7 in a bribery case. The CBI registered the case immediately on allegations that the accused demanded an undue advantage of Rs 3 lakh from Bhopal-based firms which were awarded the renovation work at the school. The bribe amount was demanded for releasing payment of pending bills -- amounting to Rs 8 lakh -- of the firms pertaining to work orders issued to these firms by school through Government e-Marketplace (GeM), a CBI statement said. The CBI laid a trap and caught the accused Principal Shraddha Pathak and middleman while accepting an undue advantage of Rs 3 lakh. Searches were conducted at the residential and office premises of the accused in Itarsi and Agra and property-related documents have been seized. The complaint was filed by Rishi Jain whose firm R.J. International Supplier was awaiting release of payment from Pathak. The CBI's Bhopal Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB), verified the complaint received from Jain on October 6 in the presence of independent witness, the statement said. During the said verification, demand of Rs 3 lakh in lieu of releasing of payment of pending bills on the part of Shraddha Pathak, Principal of Kendriya Vidyalaya in Itarsi, was confirmed, the CBI FIR said, which was filed after approval from Ganga Ram Punia, CBI/Special Police Establishment's Superintendent of Police of Bhopal ACB.
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Bihar: ED files charge sheet against six accused into Rs 1.29 crore PNB fraud
Digital Desk | Patna, Oct 8 (IANS) The Enforcement Directorate's (ED) Patna Zonal Office has filed a charge sheet before the Special PMLA Court in Patna against six individuals in connection with an alleged money laundering case linked to a bank fraud involving the Punjab National Bank (PNB) in Muzaffarpur. The charge sheet was filed on September 29, 2026, seeking the conviction of Md. Zafar Eqbal, Nitesh Kumar Singh, Santosh Anand, Rajesh Kumar, Manjay Kumar Singh and Kundan Kumar. According to the ED, the investigation was initiated on the basis of two FIRs registered by the Bihar Police under various provisions of the Indian Penal Code, 1860, relating to allegations of cheating and forgery. The agency alleged that Zafar Eqbal and his aides siphoned off around Rs 1.29 crore from the bank accounts of victims with the alleged assistance of Nitesh Kumar Singh, an official of Punjab National Bank. The ED alleged that the accused used SIM-swapping to facilitate the fraudulent transactions. According to the agency, the method prevented account holders from receiving transaction alerts on their registered mobile numbers, allowing the unauthorised transfers to go undetected. The ED had earlier conducted search operations at four locations linked to the accused on December 11, 2025. According to the agency, the searches led to the identification and freezing of proceeds of crime amounting to around Rs 83 lakh held in four bank accounts. The ED's investigation allegedly found that funds were siphoned from savings accounts maintained at the PNB branch in Muzaffarpur and transferred to mule accounts located in different cities. According to the ED, the allegedly diverted funds were subsequently routed back to the personal bank accounts of Zafar Eqbal and his proprietorship firm. The agency alleged that the funds were transferred through hawala channels as well as through cash deposits made via ATMs at different locations. The money was subsequently allegedly distributed among the accused persons. The ED said the charge sheet has been filed after an investigation into the alleged money laundering activities. Further investigation into the case is underway.
Bihar: ED files prosecution complaint against ex-SBI officer in Rs 7.96 crore laundering case
Digital Desk | Patna, Oct 8 (IANS) The Directorate of Enforcement (ED), Patna Zonal Office, has filed a prosecution complaint before the Special Court (PMLA), Patna, against Priti Singh, a former Field Officer at the State Bank of India (SBI)'s Manpur branch in Gaya, in connection with an alleged Rs 7.96 crore money laundering case involving fraudulent overdraft facilities and manipulation of bank records. The complaint was filed on September 30, 2026, under Sections 44 and 45 of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002. The ED has sought the prosecution and conviction of Singh for the alleged offence of money laundering under Section 3, punishable under Section 4 of the Act. According to the ED, the investigation was initiated on the basis of an FIR registered by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and a subsequent chargesheet, numbered 15/2022, filed on December 30, 2022, against Singh. The agency alleged that, while serving as a Field Officer at SBI's Manpur branch, Singh fraudulently sanctioned and operated 68 overdraft (OD) accounts against term deposits, including TDRs and STDRs. The ED alleged that the accounts were opened in Singh's name and in the names of her relatives through the manipulation of bank records. The agency further alleged that liens on fixed deposits were removed and that the same securities were reused to obtain multiple overdraft facilities. According to the ED, the alleged transactions resulted in a wrongful loss of approximately Rs 7.96 crore. The ED said its investigation established that proceeds of crime amounting to Rs 7,96,00,916 (Rs 7.96 crore), allegedly generated through the scheduled offences, were used by Singh for personal and family expenses. The agency further alleged that part of the funds was used to create additional fixed deposits, which were subsequently used to obtain further overdraft or loan facilities. According to the ED, the bank later recovered part of the amount from fixed deposits pledged against the overdraft accounts. In contrast, the remaining amount was repaid by Singh with financial assistance from family members and relatives. The agency said the subsequent repayment did not alter its finding that the alleged proceeds of crime had been obtained, possessed and utilised by the accused before being repaid. The ED said its investigation in the case had been completed and the prosecution complaint had been filed before the Special Court (PMLA), Patna. The allegations contained in the prosecution complaint will be subject to judicial consideration and proceedings before the competent court.
Four Arrested As CBI Busts Exam Impersonation Ring
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has dismantled an alleged impersonation and cheating network spanning Delhi, Bihar, Haryana, and West Bengal. Four individuals, including a CGST inspector, have been arrested for fraudulently infiltrating public examination selection processes by posing as candidates. The CBI's investigation is ongoing to identify further accomplices.
Bihar: ED attaches properties worth Rs 1.09 crore in rice mill money laundering case
Digital Desk | Patna, Oct 8 (IANS) The Directorate of Enforcement (ED), Patna Zonal Office, has provisionally attached immovable properties worth Rs 1,09,26,808 (Rs 1.09 crore) in Sheikhpura district of Bihar in connection with a money laundering investigation involving M/s Arena Food and Agro Industries Private Limited. The properties were attached on October 7 under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002. According to the ED, the properties belong to the company and individuals linked to it, including its director Shreekrishan Kumar, Shobha Kumari, wife of Radhey Sharma, and Kanhaiya Kumar and Kuber Kashyap, both sons of Radhey Sharma. The ED investigation was initiated on the basis of an FIR registered against Radhey Sharma, director of M/s Arena Agro Industries Pvt. Ltd., under various provisions of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). According to the FIR and information received from the predicate agency, the company procured 63,092.45 quintals of paddy from the Bihar State Food Corporation (BSFC) during 2012-13. Under the agreement, the company was required to supply Custom Milled Rice (CMR) equivalent to 67 per cent of the paddy procured, amounting to 42,271.94 quintals, by December 30, 2013. The ED, in its official statement, alleged that the company supplied only 19,170 quintals of CMR, leaving a shortfall of 23,101.94 quintals. According to the agency, the alleged shortfall resulted in a loss of Rs 5,00,28,637.19 (Rs 5.00 crore) to the government exchequer, calculated at Rs 2,165.56 per quintal. The agency further stated that Rs 1.21 crore was subsequently paid by M/s Arena Food and Agro Industries Pvt. Ltd. to the BSFC, leaving an outstanding amount of approximately Rs 3.79 crore. The ED has treated the alleged outstanding amount as proceeds of crime in the case. According to the ED, its investigation found that the CMR was allegedly sold in the open market and that the corresponding amount was not returned to the Bihar government despite the registration of the FIR and reminders issued by the BSFC. The agency alleged that the proceeds generated through the criminal activity were used in the business and subsequently dissipated. The investigation also allegedly found that funds from the company's bank accounts were transferred to accounts belonging to its directors, family members of the principal accused, and family-linked entities associated with his sons. Based on these findings, the ED provisionally attached immovable properties valued at Rs 1,09,26,808 (Rs 1.09 crore) belonging to the company and the individuals linked to it. The agency said further investigation into the case is underway.
Route Alert: Bihar Sampark Kranti and Amrit Bharat Diverted on October 10
Bihar Official Arrested for Accepting Bribe in Livestock Department
A clerk in Bihars livestock department was arrested for taking a bribe of 20,000 linked to a GPF payment. Bihar Official Arrested for Accepting Bribe in Livestock Department
Manufacture here: Bihar CM urges entrepreneurs to boost local production
Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary on Thursday said the state government has introduced the Bihar Purchase Preference Policy to promote manufacturing in the state and encourage entrepreneurs to produce goods locally. Choudhary was speaking at an orientation programme on the 'Mukhyamantri Udyami Yojana' organised by the Industries Department at Bapu Sabhaghar in Patna. On the occasion, the instalment amount was transferred to the accounts of more than 7,000 beneficiaries, and the Bihar MSME Policy-2026 was launched. Explaining the government's approach under the Purchase Preference Policy, Choudhary said a system has been put in place through the Government e-Marketplace (GeM) portal and that a system for auctions has also been introduced. The CM said,
Weather Tomorrow: On October 9, the Meteorological Department has raised alarms for heavy rain and thunderstorms in numerous areas. The Delhi-NCR region anticipates overcast conditions paired with light precipitation. Himachal Pradesh might encounter scattered showers, thunderstorms, and lightning. Meanwhile, Bihar and Haryana are expecting partly cloudy skies and occasional rain. Notably, several states, including Uttarakhand, will experience considerable rainfall on this date.
BJP Leader Criticizes Oppositions Protests Over Alleged Vote Theft in Bihar
BJPs Mithun Tiwari questions the oppositions claims of vote theft, urging them to regain public trust instead of protesting. BJP Leader Criticizes Oppositions Protests Over Alleged Vote Theft in Bihar
Voice that emerged 50 years ago: CM Yogi pays tribute to Ram Vilas Paswan on his death anniversary
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Thursday paid tribute to former Union Minister and Lok Janshakti Party founder Ram Vilas Paswan on his death anniversary and said his son Chirag Paswan was carrying forward his mission. Yogi Adityanath said Paswan's death anniversary was being observed as a national event in Bihar and recalled his contribution to public life and his commitment to the principles he espoused. CM said, Today, his (Ram Vilas Paswan) death anniversary is being observed as a national event in Bihar. I extend my heartfelt thanks to the Government of Bihar for this. He was a voice that emerged 50 years ago, driven by a firm resolve; he lived his life true to the words he spoke. While we deeply feel the absence of the late Ram Vilas Paswan, I find satisfaction in the fact that his son, Chirag Paswan, is tirelessly carrying forward his mission.
Chief Minister Samrat Chaudhary outlines Bihars plan to empower one crore families through entrepreneurship and economic self-reliance. Bihar Aims to Transform One Crore Families into Entrepreneurial Units, Says Chief Minister Samrat Chaudhary
Trough Line Impact: Heavy Rain and Squally Winds to Lash Northern and Western Odisha
A trough line extending from northeast Bihar to Telangana is expected to bring thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds to parts of Odisha over the next 24 to 48 hours, the Regional Meteorological Centre has warned. The trough passes through Jharkhand, Odisha and Chhattisgarh and lies between 3.1 km and 1.6 km above mean sea level. [] The post Trough Line Impact: Heavy Rain and Squally Winds to Lash Northern and Western Odisha appeared first on Pragativadi I Latest Odisha News in English I Breaking News .
CR Paatil hails PM Modi's vision on integrating water into school, college education
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Oct 8 (IANS) Union Jal Shakti Minister C.R. Paatil on Thursday highlighted Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision on integrating water into education with school curricular carrying water-specific content and higher educational institutions offering water management and governance courses. Chairing the 20th Meeting of the Empowered Task Force (ETF), Paatil emphasised that such academic initiatives can contribute to building a strong knowledge base and a cadre of professionals equipped to address the ecological, social, cultural, economic and policy dimensions of river management. He said that the courses may be promoted at the city and state levels for river professionals and students, and students undertaking these courses may be considered for river-related assignments in cities. He reiterated the Union government's commitment towards holistic river rejuvenation and reviewed the progress of the Namami Gange Programme. The Union Minister also led deliberations on key interventions aimed at accelerating river rejuvenation, including improved sewage infrastructure, scientific water management, safe reuse of treated wastewater, ecological restoration, groundwater management, nature-based solutions and enhanced coordination among stakeholders. The meeting reviewed the status of sewage infrastructure, detailed project report (DPR) preparation and appraisal, land availability, safe reuse of treated wastewater (SRTW), aquifer mapping, wetlands, City Sanitation Action Plans (CSAP), aerial drainage mapping and regular meetings of State Ganga Committees, an official statement said. It was told that the revised DPR for the Barauni Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) has been received and sent to IIT-BHU for appraisal, while the DPR for Shantipur STPs in West Bengal has been approved by the Executive Committee. Bihar and West Bengal have notified their policies on reuse of treated wastewater, while Jharkhand is in the process of obtaining State Cabinet approval. The meeting reviewed the overall status of projects under the Namami Gange Programme and the programme's performance during FY 2025-26. As of August 2026, 527 projects have been sanctioned at a total cost of Rs 43,266 crore, of which 368 projects have been completed. Under sewerage infrastructure, 219 projects have been sanctioned, creating a treatment capacity of 6,603 MLD along with a sewer network of 5,245 km. Of these, 147 projects have been completed, creating 4,339 MLD of sewage treatment capacity and completing 4,615 km of sewer network. The meeting was also joined by Minister of State for Jal Shakti Raj Bhushan Chaudhary; Department of Water Resources Secretary, Archana Varma; Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation Secretary Ashok K.K Meena and Director General of the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) Rajeev Kumar Mital.
Congress should introspect instead of blaming EC for poll defeats: MP CM
Digital Desk | Bhopal, Oct 8 (IANS) Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav on Thursday criticised the Congress for blaming the Election Commission for its electoral setbacks, saying the party should instead introspect on its organisation and leadership. Yadav's remarks came as the Madhya Pradesh Congress prepared to hold a foot march in Bhopal in support of the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, amid an intensifying Opposition campaign against the Election Commission in New Delhi. The Chief Minister said the Congress had itself benefited from the electoral process that it was now questioning, pointing to its governments in Kerala and Himachal Pradesh. If there is distrust in the Election Commissions process, then what is the meaning of Congress victory in Kerala? Mohan Yadav said. He is on a visit to Mumbai. Talking to the media, Yadav said Congress should examine why its political base had weakened in several states instead of holding the poll panel responsible for repeated electoral defeats. Yadav referred to Congress's prolonged absence from power in West Bengal and its weak position in Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, saying these issues required introspection within the party. Congress should introspect and strengthen its organisation instead of blaming the Election Commission for every defeat, he said. He said India was the world's largest democracy and elections were conducted through a constitutional framework under the Election Commission. According to Yadav, electoral defeats should not be used as a reason to question constitutional institutions. The Chief Minister also said Rahul Gandhi should introspect on the Congress's electoral performance and leadership. The remarks came amid protests by Congress and other Opposition parties against the Election Commission over electoral rolls and the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise. On October 6, Gandhi, Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and several INDIA bloc leaders were detained by police during a march towards the Election Commission office in New Delhi. The Opposition leaders were protesting over alleged irregularities in electoral rolls and demanding accountability from the poll panel. On October 7, Rahul Gandhi and other Opposition MPs were again detained during a protest in Delhi after they attempted to march towards Jantar Mantar. The Opposition has accused the Election Commission of irregularities in the electoral-roll revision process and has demanded the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. In Bhopal, state Congress president Jitu Patwari and Leader of Opposition Umang Singhar are scheduled to lead a foot march at 5 p.m. on Thursday in solidarity with Gandhi. The state Congress had earlier staged a protest outside the Chief Electoral Officer's office in Bhopal following Gandhi's detention in Delhi on October 6.
Aamir Khan avoids reacting to Sanjay Dutts no peace in India remark
Aamir Khan was asked about the recent controversy surrounding Sanjay Dutts remarks on the lack of peace in India, but the actor chose not to comment on the matter. The question was raised at the Celebrate Cinema Festival 2026, where Aamir silently waved off the query and moved on. The controversy began after Sanjay Dutt spoke about the country during a Gandhi Jayanti special episode of Shekhar Sumans talk show Shekhar Tonite, which aired around October 2 and 3. Speaking about India, Dutt said that he missed the sense of peace he believed existed in the country earlier. The people of this country are so lovely. There should be peace here. I cant feel that peace in our country anymore. We Indians are large-hearted people and we are hospitable. We have given so much, and we should always remain that way. I pray to Shivji that those days come back soon, Dutt said during the conversation. His remarks subsequently sparked discussion on social media. On October 4, Dutt issued a clarification on X, stating that he had never intended to hurt, offend or disrespect anyone. He explained that the conversation was scripted and meant to be light-hearted and humorous. According to Dutt, the exchange was rooted in the satire associated with the Munna Bhai films and the idea of Gandhigiri, which he described as being centred on love, warmth and goodwill. He said the comments had been taken out of context. Dutt later clarified that the words did not represent his personal views or feelings. He added that he and host Shekhar Suman were performing according to a script, as is common on such shows. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Bollywood Hungama (@realbollywoodhungama) Aamir Khans earlier intolerance remarks Aamir Khans decision not to comment comes in the backdrop of his own controversial remarks on the subject of insecurity and intolerance in India in 2015. Speaking at the Ramnath Goenka Excellence in Journalism Awards in New Delhi on November 23, 2015, Aamir said he had been alarmed by incidents reported over the preceding six to eight months. He spoke about a growing sense of insecurity and recounted a private conversation with his then-wife Kiran Rao. For the first time, she said, should we move out of India? Thats a disastrous and big statement for Kiran to make to me. She fears for her child. She fears what the atmosphere around us will be. She feels scared to open the newspapers every day, Aamir had said. The actor said the conversation reflected a growing sense of disquiet and despondency and acknowledged that he felt it as well. The remarks triggered a strong political and public backlash, including calls for a boycott of the actor. An FIR was also filed against Aamir and Kiran Rao in Muzaffarpur, Bihar, under provisions relating to promoting enmity and sedition. The case was widely viewed in the context of the political controversy surrounding his comments. A day later, Aamir issued a clarification, stating that neither he nor Kiran had ever intended to leave India. He said that the comments had been misread or distorted, while maintaining that he stood by what he had originally said about the atmosphere at the time. Also Read:Subhash Ghai brings Aamir Khan, Hema Malini, Rana Daggubati and Imtiaz Ali together for Celebrate Cinema Festival 2026
Tejashwi Yadav attacks CEC Gyanesh Kumar after Mahagathbandhan march in Patna
Digital Desk | Patna, Oct 8 (IANS) Leader of Opposition in the Bihar assembly Tejashwi Yadav launched a sharp attack on Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar after the Mahagathbandhans march to Lok Bhawan in Patna on Thursday, alleging that the Election Commissions actions had undermined voters rights and it was involved in stealing votes. After meeting the Governor along with other Mahagathbandhan leaders, Tejashwi accused Kumar of conspiring against democracy and used strong terms to criticise the Chief Election Commissioner. He alleged that the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls had adversely affected genuine voters and demanded accountability from the Election Commission. Tejashwi also alleged that the protesters were subjected to police pressure despite having an appointment to meet the Governor. He said the opposition would not be deterred by police action or the possibility of detention and would continue its agitation over what it described as a conspiracy against voters. Tejashwi said Bihar had a historic association with democratic and political movements and asserted that attempts to undermine democratic institutions would not be tolerated. He also linked the Bihar protest to the wider opposition campaign against the Election Commission, saying he had spoken with Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and had been invited to participate in a protest in Delhi. He said Mahagathbandhan leaders would also seek to meet the President as part of their ongoing campaign. Tejashwi further said his political objective extended beyond the immediate issue concerning the CEC, accusing the BJP-led government of failing to protect democratic institutions. These were political statements made by the RJD leader and were not independently established facts. VIP chief Mukesh Sahani said the opposition had a responsibility to raise issues concerning the people and protect constitutional values. It is our duty to be in the opposition, Sahani said, adding that the Mahagathbandhan would continue raising issues it believed affected democracy and the rights of citizens. The protest followed the Mahagathbandhans two-day agitation against the SIR exercise and the functioning of the Election Commission. The alliance has alleged irregularities in the electoral roll revision and demanded action against the CEC. The Election Commission and the BJP have rejected the oppositions allegations of political bias. Patna SDPO (Secretariat) Annu Kumari said the delegation had been permitted to meet the Governor and had returned after the meeting, while other protesters were stopped behind the barricades. The march had triggered a heightened security arrangement in Patna, with barricades placed at several points along the route. Police and administrative officials were deployed to regulate the movement of protesters and maintain traffic and public order. The protest also led to a confrontation involving RJD workers and the vehicle of the BJP state president, Sanjay Saraogi, near the Lok Bhawan gate. According to the account provided, RJD workers surrounded the vehicle as it passed the area and raised slogans accusing the BJP of electoral wrongdoing and vote chori. The incident added to the political tension following the Mahagathbandhans march. The opposition has said its agitation over the SIR exercise and its concerns about the Election Commission will continue through further protests.
INDIA bloc in Bihar hits streets, demands CEC
Patna: The opposition INDIA bloc in Bihar, led by RJD working president Tejashwi Yadav, hit the streets on Thursday to press the demand for Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumars resignation over alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls. Leaders of the RJD, the Congress, the Left and some smaller allies, many of Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
INDIA Bloc leaders detained during Save Democracy protest in Hyderabad
Digital Desk | Hyderabad, Oct 8 (IANS) Leaders of Congress and other constituents of the INDIA Bloc were detained in Hyderabad on Thursday as they tried to march towards Lok Bhavan demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over the alleged irregularities in Special Intensive Revision (SIR). Telangana Congress President Mahesh Kumar Goud, MLC Kodandaram, CPI MLA and partys state Secretary Kunamneni Sambasiva Rao, CPI-M state Secretary John Wesley, were among those detained by police as they tried to break the police cordon and proceed towards Lok Bhavan, the official residence of the Governor. Several Telangana ministers and leaders and workers of the ruling Congress, CPI, CPI-M and other parties participated in the Save Democracy march. Ministers Ponguleti Srinivas Reddy, Ponnam Prabhakar, Sridhar Babu, Adluri Laxman Kumar, Vakati Srihari, and Mohammed Azharuddin participated in the protest. The protestors gathered at the Indira Gandhi statue on Necklace Road and marched to Lok Bhavan. They were holding flags of their respective parties and raising slogans against the CEC and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Some of the banners carried by the participants read 'Desh Drohi', 'Gyanesh, Its done Bro', 'Vote Chor Gyanesh Kumar', and 'Impeach Gyanesh Kumar'. The rally was stopped at Khairatabad crossroads as police erected a barricade to block the Lok Bhavan Road. A large number of police personnel were deployed to prevent any untoward incident. As the protestors tried to remove barricades to proceed towards Lok Bhavan, the police detained them. Goud was among those whisked away in police vehicles. He told media that they were condemning the manner in which Narendra Modi government was acting against Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, MP Priyanka Gandhi and others protesting in Delhi. He alleged that the Modi government was indulging in Vote Chori and undermining the Constitutional bodies. This is a fascist approach. People will continue their protest to remove such fascist leaders from power, he said. He alleged that after Bihar and West Bengal, Telangana is the next target of BJPs Vote Chori. He claimed that attempts are being made to delete 93 lakh out of 3.5 crore voters in Telangana. Goud also alleged that BJP was resorting to Vote Chori in Telangana in collusion with the BRS.
Bihar: Boat breaks down mid-Ganga, three bikes fall into river
A boat carrying passengers and vehicles broke down mid-stream in the Ganges River near Bihars Bakhtiyarpur. During the incident, three motorcycles fell into the river; however, no casualties or injuries were reported.
Drishyam The Conclusion has crossed the Rs. 200 crores mark and is now certain to finish with a lifetime collection of more than Rs. 350 crores. In the process, it will break the six-and-a-half-year-old record held by Tanhaji The Unsung Warrior (2020) and emerge as Ajay Devgns highest-grossing film. The period entertainer had collected Rs. 279.55 crores at the box office. We spoke to trade experts about this remarkable feat. Trade veteran Taran Adarsh said, Yes, this will be his biggest hit. The best part is that it doesnt have songs and action. And yet, it is making those numbers, which is a very positive sign for the industry. It shows that the audience is open to all kinds of cinema, provided it connects with them. Trade analyst Atul Mohan made an important point, This is going to be the biggest solo hit of Ajay Devgn. Distributor and exhibitor Raj Bansal opined, I always believe that when an actors last film works, it benefits his next release. Ajay Devgns last film, Dhamaal 4, was a huge hit. With Drishyam The Conclusion, almost everyone expected an opening of Rs. 35-40 crores. I didnt meet a single person in the trade who predicted an opening of Rs. 50 crores. However, the film went on to do Rs. 62 crores on day 1. He added, I spoke to Ajay Devgn two weeks before release and I told him, This would be your careers biggest film. He was like, Kya baat kar raha hai tu?! I remember even during Tanhaji, I had made a similar prediction. I predicted it after watching Tanhaji. With Drishyam The Conclusion, I had not even seen it and yet, I could predict that itll be the biggest hit of his career. And thats whats going to happen. He also added, Thanks to Drishyam The Conclusion, hell surely get a big opening for Golmaal 5. Vishek Chauhan, owner of Roopbani Cinema in Purnia, Bihar, agreed, Its already his biggest opener, biggest weekend, biggest overseas grosser and now itll have the biggest lifetime of his career. This also goes to prove that the combination of Ajay Devgn and a good franchise makes for a good commercial cinema! He continued, His originals open around Rs. 8-15 crore mark depending on the genre and content. The same goes for Akshay Kumars original films as well. Their franchise films, meanwhile, can go anywhere. So, I think the future for both Ajay Devgn and Akshay Kumar is to monetize their existing franchises. Theyll be much better off if they come more with franchises. They should also do original movies but 2 franchises a year is ideal. They should also try and build more franchises. I believe Bhooth Bangla is a fantastic film which can be built into a franchise. He further said, Golmaal 5 has both Ajay and Akshay. So, you can imagine the kind of numbers that film will do now. If Drishyam The Conclusion can collect Rs. 62 crores, then Golmaal 5 can collect Rs. 70-80 crores on day 1. Vishek then said, This holds true for Hollywood also. Tom Cruises Digger opened at $8-10 million, which was no way close to the first-day numbers of Top Gun and Mission Impossible. Perhaps people want to see the older stars in the franchises. Also Read: Trade stunned by Drishyam The Conclusions Rs. 174 cr opening weekend; predict a lifetime of Rs. 400-450 cr: It doesnt have any of the commercial trappings like hit music, romance, comedy etc
If the CM has any shame, even one video should be enough! the Opposition RJD said on X
Legal deadlock leaves Arunachal Pradesh out of Vinoo Mankad Trophy, Ranji participation in doubt
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Oct 8 (IANS) In a major setback for grassroots cricket in the Northeast, young men cricketers from Arunachal Pradesh will miss out on the ongoing Vinoo Mankad Trophy, as the state association has failed to field a team due to an ongoing legal battle bringing cricket in the state to a complete standstill. Arunachal Pradesh was scheduled to open its campaign against Sikkim in the Plate Group of the Vinoo Mankad Trophy at the KIIT Cricket Stadium in Bhubaneswar on Thursday. But an internal power struggle and subsequent court stay order mean the team will forfeit the fixture, with the opposition likely to be awarded full points as per the BCCIs playing conditions. The impasse stems from a factional feud within the Arunachal Cricket Association (ACA), where six district bodies - Lower Siang, Upper Subansiri, Kamle, Tawang, West Siang, and Papum Pare - alleged widespread violations of rules during the state executive elections and demanded fresh polls. The legal challenge against president Nabam Vivek and other office-bearers subsequently led to an interim stay on the functioning of the body by the Itanagar Bench of the Gauhati High Court. BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia confirmed to IANS about the legal deadlock in the ACA, which has also affected its participation in the U19 Womens T20 Trophy. There are two factions in the Arunachal Cricket Association, and they are having a litigation issue in the Guwahati High Court-Itanagar Bench. There was some stay order from the High Court about a couple of months ago on the boards functioning. So, due to the issue present in front of that bench, there is no functionary in the Arunachal Cricket Association. The matter was finally heard in the first week of September, but the judgment is yet to be delivered by the bench. So no board is in place there for quite some time and therefore, there was no preparation to constitute a team for this Vinoo Mankad Trophy, he said to IANS on Thursday. The administrative crisis now poses a serious threat to Arunachal Pradesh's participation in the upcoming Ranji Trophy, scheduled to begin on October 11. Placed in the Plate Group, Arunachal is scheduled to open its campaign against Nagaland at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, but their participation is shrouded in mystery. As a result, they could not field the team in the junior mens levels. I don't know what will happen over them playing in the Ranji Trophy, starting on October 11. Everybody is waiting for the outcome of the court's verdict. As the matter is sub-judice, the BCCI cannot also step in. Nobody is governing there because of this matter there in the court, added Saikia. A source tracking the developments told IANS that the complete absence of a recognised, functional state body has put Arunachal Pradesh in danger of missing out on the entire ongoing domestic season. It sounds bizarre, but two or three different factions are all claiming to be the legitimate Arunachal Cricket Association while fighting each other in the court. With no official body recognised to run operations, no official team can be fielded for BCCI-affiliated competitions. For the BCCI to connect with state representatives is virtually impossible because nobody has the authority to speak for Arunachal cricket right now it's a completely defunct organisation. Theres been a continuous tussle over who actually controls the association. Its strikingly similar to the administrative impasse the Bihar Cricket Association faced for years, which kept them out of national competitions for long before a functional body came in, added the source. The administrative tussle has triggered deep concern over the future of its mens and womens players across age groups. It is heartbreaking that our states young cricketers have been locked out of the U-19 men's and women's national tournaments. The players spend the entire year grinding on the field just to get a shot at representing Arunachal on the national stage, and this absence has hit them hard, said a local source to IANS. Arunachal Pradesh was granted full BCCI membership in 2018 alongside other Northeastern states following recommendations by the Supreme Court-appointed Committee of Administrators (CoA). Lashing out at the ongoing administrative tussle, the source added, This is what happens when self-interest and the scramble for positions take precedence over the careers of young cricketers. The players are paying the ultimate price - their growth is stalled and their ambitions are being thrown away. But the truth will come out eventually. Those at the centre of this need to wake up to the damage being done and put the future of Arunachal's young talent ahead of their own interests. If we don't think about the future of these kids now, the state's cricketing future will be completely lost, stated the source.
Bihars Economic Offenses Unit Raids Executive Engineers Properties for Alleged Corruption
Bihars EOU conducts raids on five properties of Executive Engineer Narad Kumar Das for allegedly acquiring assets beyond known income. Bihars Economic Offenses Unit Raids Executive Engineers Properties for Alleged Corruption
Man claiming to be IAF officer apprehended in Secunderabad
Hyderabad: A man claiming to be an Indian Air Force (IAF) officer was apprehended near Parade Ground in Secunderabad on Wednesday, October 7. The man was identified as Nitesh Kumar Pal. He is originally from Bihar and is currently working as a delivery agent in Hyderabad. Following the incident, Begumpet Police registered a case against Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
Anarchist mindset: Nitin Nabin hits out at Rahul Gandhi over protest against CEC
Digital Desk | Varanasi, Oct 8 (IANS) BJP national president Nitin Nabin on Thursday slammed Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, over protests against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, saying that if the Opposition has any courage, it should resign from the seats it won through elections conducted by the Election Commission of India. The remarks came after Rahul Gandhi led another protest towards Jantar Mantar on Wednesday. Rahul Gandhi, Congress General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and other Opposition MPs were detained by the Delhi Police after a bus carrying them was stopped near Janpath as INDIA bloc MPs sought to protest against CEC Gyanesh Kumar. Speaking to reporters, Nitin Nabin said, I would say these are people with an anarchist mindset, who know only how to spread poison in society. After all, this very Election Commission conducted the elections in Kerala. It also conducted the elections in Tamil Nadu, where they came to power. If he has the courage, Rahul Gandhi should first resign. The public is fully watching the game he is playing. This Leader of Opposition is engaged in shielding infiltrators, he said. They are trying to take away the rights of the people. We are trying to give them their rights back. I believe that people who belong here have the right to the countrys resources, he added. Nabin also praised the Uttar Pradesh government for the arrangements at the Kashi Vishwanath Temple. I belong to Bihar, and coming here to Varanasi is part of our traditions. I would say that the Kashi Vishwanath Corridor has been constructed in a great way. The devotees also like it. It is a great experience. For this, I would like to congratulate PM Modi and CM Yogi, he said. The BJP national president offered prayers at the Baba Vishwanath Temple. He will interact with youths at Mahatma Gandhi Kashi Vidyapeeth and later hold a review meeting with party office-bearers on preparations for the upcoming elections at Gokul Dham.
Apparel makers seek cheaper labour, subsidies in Indias newer hubs
Indias apparel makers are moving east, chasing cheaper labour, better worker availability and state incentives. Can Odisha, Bihar, Jharkhand and Madhya Pradesh emerge as the countrys next garment hubs?
Remembering Ram Vilas Paswan: A Political Giant from Bihar to Delhi
Ram Vilas Paswans political journey shaped Bihar and national politics, earning him a lasting legacy as a key minister across six governments. Remembering Ram Vilas Paswan: A Political Giant from Bihar to Delhi
Bihar Man Arrested for Alleged Inhumane Treatment of Children in Rituals
A man in Bihar has been arrested for allegedly mistreating children during dubious rituals, sparking public outrage and an ongoing investigation. Bihar Man Arrested for Alleged Inhumane Treatment of Children in Rituals
Building J&Ks Place in Indias GCC Future
On 9 and 10 October 2026, something quite interesting is going to happen at IIM Jammu. The J&K GCC Summit 2026, being organised by IIM Jammu in collaboration with the Government of Jammu and Kashmir and in knowledge partnership with NASSCOM, will bring together some of the countrys leading Global Capability Centre (GCC) companies, policymakers, academics and industry leaders. But I believe the significance of these two days goes well beyond a summit. For perhaps the first time, some of the senior-most administrative leaders of Jammu and Kashmir will sit across the table with leaders of Indias GCC industry in a series of candid, no-holds-barred conversations about a question that matters deeply to us: What will it take for Jammu and Kashmir to enter Indias growing GCC ecosystem, and to do so as a credible Tier-2 and Tier-3 destination? That may sound like a familiar proposition at a business summit. It is not. Economic growth is ultimately driven by two sets of stakeholdersthe government that creates the enabling environment and the businesses that take the risk of investing in it. Genuine growth begins when these two sides are willing to listen to each other, ask difficult questions and speak honestly about what works and what does not. That is precisely the spirit in which we are approaching the J&K GCC Summit. Let me explain why In June 2025, a train crossed the Chenab on the worlds highest railway arch bridge, connecting the Kashmir Valley to the national rail network. The bridge was decades in the making. Its deeper value, however, can be expressed in one word that matters as much to an investor as it does to a traveller: predictability. A journey that once depended heavily on weather and a single highway can now be planned with greater certainty. That is the journey we want to begin for J&Ks GCC ecosystem. Building a significant GCC destination will not happen overnight. It may take years. Perhaps decades. But the journey can be made predictable if we learn from those who have already travelled it. Be they leading GCC companies or States that have successfully attracted such investments. That is why the Summit is bringing industry leaders together with representatives of States such as Gujarat, Bihar and Tamil Nadu, which have valuable lessons to share. We do not intend to reinvent the wheel. We want to understand what has worked elsewhere, what has not, and what can be adapted to J&Ks own circumstances. The opportunity before us India already hosts more than 2,200 capability centres employing around 1.9 million professionals and generating close to USD 65 billion in annual exports. Importantly, more than 220 of these centres have already chosen Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities. The next phase of the GCC story is increasingly moving beyond the established metropolitan centres, with locations outside the metros expected to account for a substantial share of the sectors future workforce. This is where J&K must position itself. The question is not whether Jammu and Kashmir can replicate Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Chennai or Pune. We should not try to become another metro. Our opportunity lies in becoming a different kind of GCC destination. Over the last decade, the case for J&K has changed significantly. Rail and road connectivity has been transformed and air connectivity has expanded. The Union Territory today has an institutional ecosystem that includes an IIM, an IIT and an AIIMS, alongside CSIR-IIIM, NIT Srinagar, the Islamic University of Science and Technology, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University and the prestigious Universities of Jammu /Kashmir, among several other institutions offering new-age and specialised programmes. In addition to that we also have something that every GCC ultimately needshuman resource. Jammu and Kashmir has a young, educated and increasingly aspirational population. Its universities and technical institutions are producing talent across disciplines. Office, talent and utility costs remain competitive compared to established metropolitan locations. And the security environment today provides a foundation for businesses to plan for the long term. Yet a good proposition is not enough. An investor looking at a new location will ask some very practical questions. Who will take my decision? How long will my approvals take? Where will my people sit on the first day? And who will do the work? The answers to these questions can determine where a GCC chooses to locate, often more decisively than the headline value of an incentive. We have to answer each of them The first is facilitation. The hardest part of entering a new region for an established business is often not the investment itself, but understanding whom to approach and how to navigate the system. In J&K, an investor should not have to make multiple rounds of enquiries across Departments. The investor should have one phone call or one email to make. We therefore need a named facilitation officer, with the authority to convene Departments, resolve issues and remain accountable as a single point of contact for the prospective investor. If banks can provide relationship managers to their customers, there is no reason why government cannot provide the same degree of institutional ownership to an investor. The second question is time Approvals relating to registration, premises, power, fire safety and labour compliance should carry clear and published timelines. These should be tracked through the single-window system and, importantly, measured against actual performance. An investor can plan around a known timeline. It is uncertainty that stalls a project. Strict adherence to prescribed timelines translates to confidence which is quintessential for attracting investments. The third question is space and infrastructure J&K needs to identify and earmark ready-to-occupy office spaces in both Jammu and Srinagar, with floor plates, tenure and tariffs clearly stated in advance. A GCC that decides to come here should be able to occupy its premises within months, not years. The space has to exist before the decision is made. There is also a unique advantage here that few locations can offer. Jammu and Srinagar are two major cities within one Union Territory, under one administration, one policy framework and one institutional point of contact. They draw upon different talent pools and can potentially serve as primary and continuity locations for the same GCC. A company should be able to scale across both cities without having to navigate two different administrations. The fourth question is people Our commitment has to be simple: skilling must respond to actual employer demand. Here comes the role of Mission YUVA and our technical institutions. Mission YUVA, the Skill Development institutions, our universities and the ITI network being upgraded under PM-SETU must increasingly train people for specific roles, in specific numbers and within specific timelines. The Department of Labour and Employment, which is spearheading the organisation of the Summit, will have an important role in translating industry conversations into an actionable talent strategy. This is also where the GCC opportunity becomes much more than an investment proposition. A GCC does not merely bring an office. It brings new skills, new career paths, new technologies and new aspirations. For a young person in Jammu or Srinagar, the arrival of a global company should mean that a world-class career no longer necessarily requires leaving home for Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Mumbai or Delhi. That is the human dividend we must keep at the centre of this conversation. And then comes the most important question of all: Who will be the first? The first GCC centre matters disproportionately. Every subsequent investor will ask: Who else is already here? The answer today has to change from zero. An anchor GCC can do more than create direct employment. A centre employing 500 professionals can support a comparable ecosystem of opportunities in facilities, transport, hospitality, food services, professional services and other allied sectors. Securing that first anchor tenant is therefore not just another investment target. It is the decisive step in establishing confidence. The administration will concentrate its efforts accordingly. This is why the J&K GCC Summit matters. Every panel, every panellist, every question and every answer over these two days will be an opportunity for us to learn and, equally important, to allow industry to tell us what it needs from us. We are not approaching the Summit merely to showcase J&K. We are approaching it to listen. If we want global capability centres to look beyond the metros, then we must demonstrate that a Tier-2 or Tier-3 location can offer something equally compelling: access to talent, competitive costs, quality institutions, reliable infrastructure, responsive governance and, above all, confidence that commitments made today will hold tomorrow. Jammu and Kashmir has many of these ingredients. The task before us is to bring them together into an ecosystem that works. Our entrepreneurial spirit is gathering momentum. Our young people are increasingly looking towards new-age sectors and new forms of enterprise. The GCC ecosystem can benefit from this talent and ambition, even as its presence here can accelerate the development of that very ecosystem. The Path Forward I do not believe J&K needs to become the biggest GCC destination in India. I believe it can become one of the most differentiated. We have learnt something from building the Chenab Rail Bridge. Great journeys begin with an audacious idea, but they are completed through engineering, patience, persistence and thousands of smaller decisions made correctly along the way. The GCC journey will be no different. We have the ambition. We have the foundations. We have a growing pool of talent. What we now need is execution, industry partnership and the patience to build for the long term. The first J&K GCC Summit is therefore not the culmination of a journey. It is the beginning of one. And if we get the beginning right, I believe the destination is within reach. A GCC ecosystem that proves that the next generation of Indias growth need not come only from its largest cities, but can also emerge from its most promising Tier-2 and Tier-3 centres. Jammu and Kashmir is ready to make that journey. The promise is not that it will happen overnight. The promise is that we are ready to make it happen. (The writer is Chief Secretary, Government of Jammu and Kashmir)
Rakesh Tikait warns Bihar State govt over Satellite Township Projects
He asserted that the Union is not opposed to development; however, development that comes at the cost of farmers losing their land, livelihoods, and social security cannot be accepted.
No political party can do politics in Bihar without JD(U), says Sanjay Jha
Mr. Jha asserted that the 2025 Bihar assembly election was contested on the face of Nitish and his leadership.
INDIA bloc leaders in Bihar take out Aakrosh March against ECI
INDIA bloc leaders alleged that the Election Commission of India (ECI) is acting as a puppet of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and that politics is underway to weaken democracy and the constitution.
Bihar Announces 17-Member Squad for Upcoming Ranji Trophy Matches
Bihar Cricket Association reveals a 17-member team for the Ranji Trophy, set to debut on October 11 against Uttar Pradesh in Rajgir. Bihar Announces 17-Member Squad for Upcoming Ranji Trophy Matches
Congress Leader Rajesh Ram Criticizes Election Commission, Calls for Opposition Unity
Bihar Congress President Rajesh Ram targets Election Commission, urging united opposition action against alleged electoral misconduct. Congress Leader Rajesh Ram Criticizes Election Commission, Calls for Opposition Unity
Myanmar army delegation visits BRC to boost training cooperation with Indian Army
EC rejects 12 nominations for 8 MLC seats, 152 candidates left in fray
BSc student from Bihar found hanging in rented Deoghar room
GA holds statewide protest against CEC, roll revision
Ghana spiritual consultant performs pind daan in Gaya
Police fire at three accused in legs, arrest them in Sitamarhi
Rohtas man dies by suicide; alleges harassment by wife, in-laws in video
Man held for strangling boy in Muzaffarpur
HC refuses relief to 12 students issued TCs after school violence
Phulwarisharif woman dies in LPG cylinder blast
